Report: Hurricanes have reached out to teams about Rantanen
The Carolina Hurricanes have reached out to teams to gauge interest in forward Mikko Rantanen ahead of Friday's trade deadline, TSN's Chris Johnston reported on Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading."
Rantanen won't sign a contract extension before the trade deadline, Johnston added. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of teams pursuing Rantanen, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 25 for Martin Necas and Jack Drury, plus a second- and fourth-round pick.
Rantanen has just two goals and six points in 12 games since joining Carolina. The 28-year-old had 25 goals and 64 points in 49 contests with the Avalanche before the trade. He tallied 42 goals and 104 points last season.
The Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of Rantanen's salary in the deal that sent him to Carolina, making his current cap hit $4.63 million. The Hurricanes could retain up to another 50% if they opt to deal him before the deadline, which could drop his cap hit as low as $2.3 million for an acquiring team.
Rantanen is only eligible to sign an eight-year contract with the team he's on at the trade deadline.
The Finn has 289 goals and 687 points in his 631 total games. Rantanen has been superb in the playoffs as well, having accrued 34 goals and 101 points in 81 postseason contests. He captured the Stanley Cup in 2022 with Colorado.
The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.